NBA Trade Rumors: Four potential trade destinations for Jahlil Okafor

The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the most exciting teams in the NBA. However, they have a glut of big men with Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor battling for minutes. Ben Simmons, who is recovering from foot surgery, is expected to return shortly after the All-Star break.

According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sixers will give Okafor more playing time because they want to “showcase” him to interested teams. What are these teams? Here is SportsRageous’ list of the four potential destinations for Jahlil Okafor.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics have been linked with Jahlil Okafor since the summer but they could reluctant to part ways with someone like Jaylen Brown for him. Even though Okafor can add another scoring presence in Boston while shifting Al Horford to his natural position, his defense in the paint is almost non-existent.

Boston could probably low-ball the Sixers with point guard Terry Rozier and a late first-round pick for Okafor. Nevertheless, the Celtics are certainly exploring the trade market to improve their chances in the playoffs.

Dallas Mavericks

Despite Dirk Nowitzki proclaiming the Mavs has a chance of making the playoffs, Dallas is in rebuilding mode. They will have a hole in the middle after the season when Andrew Bogut bolts in free agency. Why not fill it with Jahlil Okafor?

The Mavs can always offer a future first round pick and Deron Williams to Philadelphia. Williams is one of the veteran point guards who can help ease Ben Simmons’ transition into a full-time playmaker. The future pick is just an icing on the cake.

New Orleans Pelicans

According to CBS Sports, the Sixers are very interested in signing Jrue Holiday in free agency. The Pelicans are starting to worry that Holiday won’t re-sign with them so why not flip him for Jahlil Okafor rather than lose him for nothing.

The Sixers would like this deal since they would get a solid point guard to teach Ben Simmons. On the other hand, the Pelicans get a bruiser in the paint to relieve some pressure off Anthony Davis and preserve his fragile body.

Chicago Bulls

Why not ship Rajon Rondo to Philadelphia? The Bulls and Rondo are clearly not working, and the Sixers need a point guard. Philly can use the second half of the season to assess if Rondo is a good fit or not.

The Sixers can just waive him after the season since the second year of his deal is non-guaranteed. Or as suggested by John Smallwood of the Philadelphia Inquirer, trade Jahlil Okafor for Doug McDermott, who can be a complimentary player for the Sixers.